‘Devil’s in the detail’

by NADEEM BADSHAH

MP DHESI WANTS GUARANTEES ON HEATHROW EXPANSION

TAN DHESI MP has challenged ministers to offer “cast iron guarantees” on jobs and tackling noise and air pollution as he voted with a “heavy heart” on Monday (25) to back a £14 billion expansion at Britain’s biggest airport.

MPs voted 415 to 119 in favour of build­ing a new runway at London’s Heathrow Airport, a decision that has long divided parliament regardless of party lines. Some have opposed the extra noise and air pollu­tion it will bring to London, particularly its western regions.

In an interview prior to the Commons vote, the Labour MP told Eastern Eye that opinion was deeply divided in his constitu­ency of Slough, Berkshire, over whether to support the third runway at Heathrow.

Heathrow has said construction could start in 2021, with the runway open in 2026.

Before it can get to the planning stage, any legal challenge would see a judge review the lawfulness of the government’s policy.

Campaigning group Greenpeace UK said it would work with councils across London and the mayor to bring a legal challenge.

Dhesi said that there are a host of issues that need to be addressed before the plan gets underway.

“Given that the runway will be on our doorstep, those affected the most should benefit the most in terms of conces­sions and mitigation,” he said.

“I feel it could benefit the nation­al economy, but there are serious consequences as well for jobs, training; there should be a skills hub in Slough.

“The warehouses, logistical factories, offices should be close to Slough. Homes should have the requisite double or triple glazing. It might seem trivial to some, but there should be cheaper parking at the airport, more bus routes.

“Constituents do not want more conges­tion and traffic.”

Transport secretary Chris Grayling an­nounced a £2.6 billion compensation pack­age for residents affected and measures to tackle noise.

Prime minister Theresa May said the £14 billion expansion of Europe’s busiest airport – which is operating at full capacity – shows Britain is open for business after Brexit.

“She believes it sends out an important message about global Britain and making the most of the opportunities which lie ahead of us,” her spokes­man told reporters.

But politicians have warned tax­payers would foot the bill for road improvements and upgrades.

Dhesi said banning night flights for around seven hours is one of the main demands for locals living near the site proposed for the new runway. “I am looking into the detail of reducing noise like having electric vehicles. A night flight ban of 6.5 hours is very important, we want cast iron gurantees on that.

“We want more details on the flight path, the devil is in the detail. I am undecided until I get the full facts.

“We cannot have what happened previ­ously where there was a ban on night flights then it was relaxed – we need guarantees.”

The government announced in June that Heathrow could face criminal charges if it does not meet environmental targets when building the third runway.

The laws relate to noise, air quality and compensation for local homeowners, and the penalties could include criminal pro­ceedings, a fine or a court injunction to limit the airport’s operations.

Aviation minister Liz Sugg said: “Impor­tant measures to protect local people and comply with the legal requirements set by the government will be written into the de­velopment consent order. Heathrow would face serious penalties if they do not stand by these commitments.”

Dhesi has held meetings with Baroness Sugg, Heathrow bosses and the No to 3rd Runway Coalition. He is also chairman of the All Party Parliamentary Group for the Western Link to Heathrow pushing for a four-mile rail link between Slough and the west London airport.

The MP said talks over the train line have taken six years and it is time for the govern­ment to act. “It is not incumbent on a third runway,” Dhesi added. “It will take more cars off the road and passengers do not need to go to via London Paddington.

“The coalition government said they were fully committed in 2012, six years on there is no certainty around the scheme. It is still involved in consultations.

“If we cannot get guarantees for a four-mile rail link being built that is going to benefit the economy and environment, the Heath­row expansion is nowhere near being cogent without having reassurances on that as well.”

The decision to expand Heathrow, owned by Spain’s Ferrovial, the Qatar In­vestment Authority, China Investment Cor­poration and other investment companies, follows almost half a century of indecision on how and where to add new airport capac­ity in densely-populated south-east England.

If finally opened, it will be the first full-length runway built in the London area for 70 years. Business groups welcomed the move to expand, with the Federation of Small Businesses saying: “The debate is now over, it is time to build”.